Holding device for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table, table, and method for attaching the accessory part

ABSTRACT

A holding device (2) for attaching an accessory part to a frame element (3) of a table (1) is provided. The holding device (2) comprises an elongated fastening device (8) which, at a first end (13), is connectable to the frame element (3), a tubular arm element (9) comprising an accommodation element (10) for accommodating the accessory part, a first bolt (11), and an adjusting device (16). The arm element (9) comprises, in cross section, opposite first bearings (12) for supporting the first bolt (11), the fastening device (8) comprises a second bearing (15) for supporting the first bolt (11) in the region of the second end (14), the fastening device (8) is at least partially arranged in the arm element (9) and is accommodated pivotably about an axis of the first bolt (11), and the adjusting device (16) is configured to adjust a pivoting angle (a) between the arm element (9) and the fastening device (8) about the axis of the first bolt (11).

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2021 205 237.1 filed on May 21, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a holding device for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table, a table, and a method for attaching the accessory part to the frame element of the table, particularly for accessory parts having a high weight.

In the state of the art, holding devices for accessory parts are known. Such accessory parts are, for example, back panels for tables. On the one hand, these back panels serve as a privacy shield, on the other hand, as a sneeze guard or as an acoustic wall for noise-insulation.

When using such back panels, the problem is that they have a high weight, whereby retainers and, also, frame elements of tables to which the retainers are attached, can be deformed. However, the deformation of the retainers or the frame elements leads to a tilting of the back panels so that the visual impression, for example, of a working place, is deteriorated.

Further, there is the problem that, if such back panels or other accessory parts have not been provided from the beginning of the purchase of a table, a subsequent attachment of the accessory parts is lavish and, as the case may be, connected with cutting work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object underlying the invention is to remedy the above disadvantages and to facilitate attachment of accessory parts while maintaining a positive visual impression.

The object is achieved by a holding device according to claim 1, a table according to claim 8, and a method according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are included in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, a holding device for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table comprises an elongated fastening device having two ends, which is connectable to the frame element of the table at a first end, a tubular arm element comprising an accommodation element for accommodating the accessory part, a first bolt and an adjusting device. The arm element comprises, in cross section, opposite first bearings for supporting the first bolt, the fastening device comprises a second bearing for supporting the first bolt in the region of the second end, the fastening device is at least partially arranged in the arm element and is accommodated pivotably about an axis of the first bolt by the arm element, and the adjusting device is configured to adjust a pivoting angle about the axis of the first bolt between the arm element and the fastening device.

This holding device makes it possible that accessory parts, for example, a back panel of the table, can be aligned simply and exactly by a change of the pivoting angle in order to maintain a good visual impression.

According to an advantageous implementation of the holding device, the fastening device comprises a clamping device and two clamping elements connected by the clamping device in the region of the first end, and the clamping elements respectively comprise a hook-shaped projection protruding from the first end of the fastening device, wherein the hook shapes of the projections are aligned in a manner averting from each other. Further, the clamping device is configured to adjust a distance of the hook-shaped projections in order to provide a form fit connection with the frame element.

Such a holding device enables a very simple retrofitting of a requested accessory part when the frame element is accordingly prepared.

The frame elements can standardly be prepared in such a manner that the retrofitting can then be performed simple and at low costs.

In a further advantageous implementation of the holding device, the fastening device comprises a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm as the clamping elements and a second bolt. In the region of the second end of the fastening device, for supporting the second bolt, the first clamping arm is provided with a third bearing and the second clamping arm is provided with a fourth bearing in order to support the first clamping arm pivotably relative to the second clamping arm about the axis of the second bolt.

In this implementation, there is the option to introduce the force acting to the table by the weighing force of the accessory part into the frame element by means of the two arms simply via the clamping device.

In a further advantageous implementation, the first bolt and the second bolt are identical.

Thereby, installation space can be saved as well as the number of part can be reduced.

According to a further advantageous implementation, the clamping device comprises a clamping studbolt and, in one of the clamping elements, a threaded hole for the clamping studbolt is provided in such a manner that the clamping studbolt screwed into the threaded hole can be supported on the other one of the clamping elements in order to adjust the distance of the hook-shaped projections when the clamping studbolt is turned.

The design of the clamping device by means of the clamping studbolt and the threaded hole enables a simple and cost-effective provision of this function.

In a further advantageous implementation of the holding device, the first bearings comprise through holes in a wall of the tubular orifice.

Simple through holes as bearings can be provided simply and cost-effectively.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a table is provided with the holding device, wherein the table further comprises the frame elements to which the holding device is attached.

Such a table enables alignment of accessory parts, for example, the back panel of the table, easily and exactly in order to maintain a good visual impression.

In an advantageous implementation of the table, the frame element has a rectangular cross section and, on one side provided for attaching the holding device, a first slit-shaped orifice with two long sides and two ends, which is configured to accommodate the hook-shaped projections such that the hook shapes make a form fit connection with the frame element at the ends of the first slit-shaped orifice when the hook-shaped projections are suitably spaced apart and can thus be braced.

In this implementation, for attaching the holding device to the frame element, it is merely necessary to generate the slit into the frame element which is easily and cost-effectively possible as a standard design in order to such prepare the table for a retrofitting of accessory parts.

In a further advantageous implementation of the table, the frame element has a rectangular cross section, comprises a first slit-shaped orifice having two long sides and two ends on a side provided for attaching the holding device, and comprises a second slit-shaped orifice having two long sides and two ends on a side adjacent to the side for attaching the holding device, wherein the first slit-shaped orifices and the second slit-shaped orifices are configured to respectively accommodate one of the hook-shaped projections such that the hook shape makes a form fit connection with the frame element at one of the ends of the slit-shaped orifice when the hook-shaped projections are suitably spaced apart and can thus be braced.

Also in this implementation, for attaching the holding device to the frame element, it is merely necessary to generate slits in the frame element which is easily and cost-effectively possible as a standard design in order to prepare the table for a retrofitting of accessory parts. Moreover, by the use of the second slit-shaped orifice not only one side of the frame element is burdened by the weight of the accessory part introduced into the frame element but the load is distributed to two sides so that a deformation of the region around the slit-shaped orifices is prevented or at least reduced.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table by means of a holding device includes the steps: attaching the holding device to the frame element and adjusting an appropriate pivoting angle between the tubular arm element and the fastening device by means of the adjusting device.

By this method, it is enabled that accessory parts, for example, a back panel of the table, can be aligned simply and exactly in order to maintain a good visual impression.

According to an advantageous implementation of the method, it further includes the steps: inserting the hook-shaped projections into the first slit-shaped orifice and adjusting the appropriate distance so that the hook-shaped projections make a form fit connection with the slit-shaped orifices and can be braced therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Subsequently the invention is elucidated by means of embodiments referring to the attached drawings.

In particular,

FIG. 1 shows an isometric illustration of a table according to the invention with a holding device;

FIG. 2 shows a frame element of the table and an exploded view of the holding device; and

FIG. 3 shows a sectional drawing of the holding device of FIG. 2 before hung into the frame element of the table;

FIG. 4 shows the holding device of FIG. 2 hung into the frame element;

FIG. 5 shows the holding device in a state in which a pivoting angle between the arm element and a fastening device is adjusted upward by the maximum possible angle; and

FIG. 6 shows the holding device in a state in which the pivoting angle between the arm element and a fastening device is adjusted downward by the maximum possible angle.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an isometric illustration of a table 1 according to the invention with a holding device 2 for attaching an accessory part (not shown) to a frame element 3 of the table 1.

FIG. 2 shows the frame element 3 of the table 1 as well as an exploded view of the holding device 2.

The frame element 3 has a rectangular cross section and two first slit-shaped orifices 5 are provided on a side 4 provided for attaching the holding device 2. The first slit-shaped orifices 5 respectively have two long sides and two ends. The frame element 3 further comprises second slit-shaped orifices 6 on a side 7 adjacent to the side provided for attaching the holding device 2. Also the second slit-shaped orifices respectively have two long sides and two ends.

In this embodiment, two slit-shaped orifices 5, 6 are respectively provided, however, in alternative embodiments, also, only one slit-shaped orifice 5, 6 can respectively be provided or, in particular, when using several holding devices 2, also more than respectively two slit-shaped orifices 5, 6 can be provided. In further alternative embodiments, no second slit-shaped orifice 6 is provided or, in an embodiment in which the holding device is, for example, welded to the frame element 3 or screwed on by means of a flange, no slit-shaped orifice is provided in the frame element 3.

The holding device 2 comprises an elongated fastening device 8 and a tubular arm element 9.

The tubular arm element 9 comprises an accommodation element 10 for accommodating the accessory part. In this case, the accommodation element 10 is a bushing for accommodating a column (not shown) for fastening a back panel for the table 1.

The holding device 2 further comprises a bolt 11 and, in cross section of the arm element 9, opposite first bearings 12 in the form of through holes in a wall of the tubular arm element 9 for supporting the bolt 11. In an alternative embodiment, the bearings are not through holes but, e.g., on one side only a counterbore.

The elongated fastening device 8 is connectable to the frame element 3 at a first end 13 and comprises a second end 14. In the region of the second end 14, the fastening device 8 comprises a second bearing 15.

The fastening device 8 is at least partially arranged in the arm element 9 and is accommodated pivotably about an axis of the bolt 11 by the arm element 9.

Moreover, the holding device 2 comprises an adjusting device 16 which, in turn, comprises an adjusting studbolt 25. In the fastening device 8, a threaded hole 17 for the adjusting studbolt 25 is provided in a predetermined distance from the axis of the bolt 11 such that the adjusting studbolt 25 screwed into the threaded hole 17 can be supported on the arm element 9 in order to adjust a pivoting angle α about the axis of the first bolt 11 between the arm element 9 and the fastening device 8 when the adjusting studbolt 25 is turned. In an alternative embodiment, the arm element 9 and the fastening device 8 are not adjustable with respect to one another but they are, e.g., formed integrally so that no adjustment of the pivoting angle is provided.

The fastening device 8 comprises a first clamping arm 18 and a second clamping arm 19 as clamping elements arranged in the region of the first end 13. In the shown embodiment, the first clamping arm 18 consists of a bent part and the second clamping arm 19 consists of an assembly of two plate-shaped arms 26 connected to one another by connection pieces 22. Alternatively, the second clamping arm 19 can also consist of one component and also the first clamping arm can, e.g., be formed of several parts. In the assembled state of the holding device 2, the bolt 11 is provided in the region of the second end 14 of the fastening device 8. The first clamping arm 18 is provided with a third bearing 15 in the region of the second end 14 of the fastening device 8 and the second clamping arm 19 is provided with a fourth bearing 20 in the region of the second end 14 of the fastening device 8 in order to pivotably support the first clamping arm 18 with respect to the second clamping arm 19.

In the shown embodiment, the bolt 11 is defined as first bolt for pivotably accommodating the fastening device 8 by the arm element 9 and as second bolt in order to pivotably support the first clamping arm 18 with respect to the second clamping arm 19 so that the first bolt and the second bolt are identical. Therefore, the bearing 15 is, on the one side, defined as second bearing for supporting the first bolt and, on the other hand, defined as the third bearing for supporting the second bolt. In alternative embodiments, separate first and second bolts can be used so that a functional separation of the bolts for the adjustment of the pivoting angle α (see FIG. 5, 6) between the arm element 9 and the fastening device 8 and for the pivotable support of the clamping arm is realized.

The first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 19 respectively comprise two hook-shaped projections 23, 24 protruding from the first end 13 of the fastening device 8. The hook-shaped projections 23 protrude upward from an upper side of the first clamping arm 18, whereas the hook-shaped projections 24 lie subsequent to a recess in the second clamping arm 19 on one plane with the lower side of the second clamping arm 19. Both versions are defined as protruding hook-shaped projections. The hook shapes of the projections 23, 24 are averted from one another which means that the ends of the hooks are directed in opposite directions. In an alternative embodiment, the hook-shaped projection 23 has the same shape as the hook-shaped projection 24 but in the opposite direction. This embodiment is particularly used when the second slit-shaped orifice 6 is omitted so that the hook-shaped projections 23, 24 make the form fit connection with the frame element 3 only via the first slit-shaped orifice 5.

The fastening device 8 further comprises a clamping device 21 comprising a clamping studbolt 26 and a threaded hole 22 for the clamping studbolt 26. The clamping device 21 links the clamping elements with each other. The threaded hole 22 is provided in the second clamping arm 19 forming one of the clamping elements in such a manner that the clamping studbolt 26 screwed into the threaded hole 22 can be supported on the first clamping arm 18 forming the other one of the clamping elements so that the clamping device 21 is configured to the adjust the distance of the hook-shaped projections 23, 24 when the clamping studbolt 26 is turned.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional drawing of the holding device 2 before hung into the frame element 3 of the table 1.

As already shown in FIG. 2, the frame element 3 comprises the first slit-shaped orifices 5 and the second slit-shaped orifices 6. The slit-shaped orifices 5 and 6 are configured to accommodate the hook-shaped projections 23, 24.

In FIG. 4, the holding device 2 hung into the frame element 3 is shown.

The hook-shaped projections 23, 24 are respectively accommodated by the first slit-shaped orifice 5 and the second slit-shaped orifice 6 in such a manner that the hook shape makes a form fit connection with the frame element 3 at one of the ends of the first slit-shaped orifice 5, 6 when the hook-shaped projections 23, 24 are suitably spaced apart and is thus braced.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the holding device 2 in a state in which the pivoting angle α between the arm element 9 and the fastening device 8 is respectively adjusted by the maximum possible angle α by means of the adjusting device 16. Here, the angle is respectively 2.5°, however, it can have another maximum pivoting angle when the geometric design is accordingly changed.

In use, the accessory part is attached to the frame element 3 of the table 1 by means of the holding device 2. Thereby, the hook-shaped projections 23, 24 are insert into the slit-shape orifices 5, 6 and braced by means of the clamping studbolt 26 so that the hook-shaped projections 23, 24 make a form fit connection with, depending on the embodiment, at least one of the slit-shaped orifices 5, 6 and are brazed therewith. In alternative embodiments, attaching of the fastening device 8 to the frame element 3 can also be done already ex-factory by means of welding or screwing.

After attaching, the appropriate pivoting angle α between the tubular arm element 9 and the fastening device 8 is adjusted by means of the adjusting device 16. Thereby, e.g., an angle of a back panel of the table 1 is adjusted such that the back panel is vertically aligned.

All the features in the description, the subsequent claims, and the drawing can be relevant for the invention solitarily as well as in an arbitrary combination. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A holding device for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table, wherein the holding device comprises: an elongated fastening device which, at a first end, is connectable to the frame element, a tubular arm element comprising an accommodation element for accommodating the accessory part, a first bolt, and an adjusting device, wherein the arm element comprises, in cross section, opposite first bearings for supporting the first bolt, the fastening device comprises a second bearing for supporting the first bolt in the region of a second end, the fastening device is at least partially arranged in the arm element and is accommodated pivotably about an axis of the first bolt by the arm element, and the adjusting device is configured to adjust a pivoting angle (a) between the arm element and the fastening device about the axis of the first bolt.
 2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping device and two clamping elements arranged in the region of the first end and connected by the clamping device, the clamping elements respectively comprise a hook-shaped projection protruding from the first end of the fastening device, and the hook shapes of the projections are averted from each other, and the clamping device is configured to adjust a distance of the hook-shaped projections.
 3. The holding device according to claim 2, wherein the fastening device comprises a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm as the clamping elements and a second bolt, and, in the region of the second end of the fastening device, for supporting the second bolt, the first clamping arm is provided with a third bearing and the second clamping arm is provided with a fourth bearing in order to support the first clamping arm pivotably relative to the second clamping arm about an axis of the second bolt.
 4. The holding device according to claim 3, wherein the first bolt and the second bolt are identical.
 5. The holding device according to claim 2, wherein the clamping device comprises a clamping studbolt, and a threaded hole for the clamping studbolt is provided in one of the clamping elements in such a manner that the clamping studbolt screwed into the threaded hole can be supported on the other one of the clamping elements in order to adjust the distance of the hook-shaped projections when the clamping studbolt is turned.
 6. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting device comprises an adjusting studbolt, in the fastening device, a threaded hole for the adjusting studbolt is provided in a predetermined distance from the axis of the first bolt in such a manner that the adjusting studbolt screwed into the threaded hole can be supported on the arm element in order to adjust the pivoting angle (a) between the arm element and the fastening device when the adjusting studbolt is turned.
 7. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first bearings comprise through holes in a wall of the tubular arm element.
 8. A table with a holding device according to claim 1, wherein the table further comprises a frame element to which the holding device is attachable.
 9. The table according to claim 8 with a holding device, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping device and two clamping elements arranged in the region of the first end and connected by the clamping device, the clamping elements respectively comprise a hook-shaped projection protruding from the first end of the fastening device, and the hook shapes of the projections are averted from each other, and the clamping device is configured to adjust a distance of the hook-shaped projections; wherein the frame element has a rectangular cross section and, on a side provided for attaching the holding device, a first slit-shaped orifice with two long sides and two ends, which is configured to accommodate the hook-shaped projections in such a manner that the hook shapes make a form fit connection with the frame element at the ends of the first slit-shaped orifice when the hook-shaped projections are suitably spaced apart and can thus be braced.
 10. The table according to claim 8 with a holding device, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping device and two clamping elements arranged in the region of the first end and connected by the clamping device, the clamping elements respectively comprise a hook-shaped projection protruding from the first end of the fastening device, and the hook shapes of the projections are averted from each other, and the clamping device is configured to adjust a distance of the hook-shaped projections; wherein the frame element has a rectangular cross section, comprises a first slit-shaped orifice having two long sides and two ends on a side provided for attaching the holding device, and comprises a second slit-shaped orifice having two long sides and two ends on a side adjacent to the side provided for attaching the holding device, wherein the the first slit-shaped orifice and the second slit-shaped orifice are configured to respectively accommodate one of the hook-shaped projections in such a manner that the hook shape makes a form fit connection with the frame element at one of the ends of the first and second slit-shaped orifices when the hook-shaped projections are suitably spaced apart and can thus be braced.
 11. A method for attaching an accessory part to a frame element of a table with a holding device according to claim 1, having the steps: attaching the holding device to the frame element; and adjusting an appropriate pivoting angle (a) between the tubular arm element and the fastening device by means of the adjusting device.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping device and two clamping elements arranged in the region of the first end and connected by the clamping device, the clamping elements respectively comprise a hook-shaped projection protruding from the first end of the fastening device, and the hook shapes of the projections are averted from each other, and the clamping device is configured to adjust a distance of the hook-shaped projections; the frame element comprises at least one of a first slit-shaped orifice and a second slit-shaped orifice for attaching the holding device; and attaching the holding device to the table is performed with the steps: inserting the hook-shaped projections into the at least one of the first and second slit-shaped orifices, and adjusting the appropriate distance so that the hook-shaped projections make a form fit connection with the slit-shaped orifices and are braced there with. 